Metallica opened their 14-song set with the 1984 classic, "Creeping Death", blazing through songs spanning their full career. A pair of encore tunes included "Whiskey In The Jar" and "Seek & Destroy."

In the weeks leading up to the event, the band faced some backlash from traditional Glastonbury supporters who felt heavy metal didn't fit in with the vibe of the festival, and frontman James Hetfield addressed the issue early in the show.

"Metallica is grateful to be invited to such an event as the Glastonbury Festival," said Hetfield. "We are very proud to be here and be representing, shall we say, the heavier sides of music. I know it's all represented here, so why not heavy rock/heavy metal, huh. It's about time."